Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Encompass ERP (Datacor): Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Dynamics 365 Business Central
8.0(2,900 reviews)
Microsoft's cloud ERP for SMBs, with deep Microsoft 365 integration and competitive pricing for companies already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Encompass ERP (Datacor)
ERP for chemical distributors and blenders with lot tracking, regulatory compliance, and formula management built in.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Dynamics 365 Business Central | Encompass ERP (Datacor) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | SMBs already using Microsoft 365 looking for a natural ERP upgrade | Chemical distributors managing container tracking and SDS compliance |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Contact Sales |
| Starting Price | $70/mo | Contact Sales |
| Deployment | cloud, on premise | cloud, on premise |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID, WINDOWS | WEB, WINDOWS |
| Rating | 8.0/10 | 7.1/10 |
Pros & Cons
Dynamics 365 Business Central
Pros
- Deep Microsoft 365 integration - Teams, Outlook, Excel, and Power BI connect natively, not through third-party APIs
- Familiar interface for Microsoft shops cuts training time by 30-50% compared to unfamiliar ERPs
- Clear, published pricing ($70-$100/user) - no secret negotiation like SAP or NetSuite
- Fastest implementation in the mid-market ERP category - typically 3-6 months vs SAP's 6-12 and NetSuite's 9-18
- Modern AL extension framework lets partners customize without breaking future upgrades
Cons
- Complex licensing tiers (Essentials, Premium, Team Member, Device) confuse buyers during procurement
- Implementation still requires a Microsoft partner - budget $20,000-$80,000 on top of license costs
- Migrating from Dynamics GP or NAV is harder than Microsoft marketing suggests
- Reporting requires Power BI knowledge - native reports are basic
- US support quality varies significantly by partner - choose carefully
Encompass ERP (Datacor)
Pros
- SDS management and GHS labeling fully integrated with shipping workflows
- Chemical-specific pricing handles per-pound, per-gallon, and indexed models
- Container tracking manages drums, totes, and IBCs with deposit/return
- Bidirectional lot traceability meets chemical industry regulatory requirements
- Formula management with percentage-based compositions and gravity adjustments
Cons
- User interface is dated and requires significant training for new users
- Very small vendor ecosystem with limited implementation partners
- Few third-party integrations compared to larger ERP platforms
- Narrowly focused on chemicals — not suitable for other industries
- Mobile capabilities are minimal at best
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics 365 Business Central | subscription | $70/mo |
| Encompass ERP (Datacor) | contact sales | Contact Sales |
Our Verdict
Choose Dynamics 365 Business Central if...
SMBs already using Microsoft 365 looking for a natural ERP upgrade
Choose Encompass ERP (Datacor) if...
Chemical distributors managing container tracking and SDS compliance
Still Not Sure?
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